Baringo County government through the department of water has set aside 500 million for water projects in this financial year.
Speaking Sunday during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Eldama Ravine Stadium in Baringo County, Governor Stanley Kiptis noted that the government had redoubled effort to improve water access in the county.
“I want to thank our development partners, Kaswet, Water Service Trust Fund, UNICEF, Climate Smart Agriculture Project, World Food Program and World Vision who have actively engaged the county government in several life changing initiatives aimed at improving water access and food security, ” Kiptis said.
The Governor also noted that water coverage before 2017 was worrying at 38% but through interventions, the county government has improved to 52% and aimed to reach 70% by 2022.
In Baringo South Sub County, the county government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the water trust fund to roll out water projects worth Sh.70 million.
The Governor also noted that the county had improved water access by drilling 83 boreholes and constructing 231 water springs so far to be managed at the community level.
“Under my transformative agenda of ‘Water Maji Bei’, we have put a lot of effort to ensure that our residents access clean water for domestic, livestock and irrigation purposes,” Kiptis said.
Governor Kiptis then urged the residents to turn up in large numbers during public participation forums to enable them give their views on what the County Government should prioritise in the subsequent financial years.
The governor also pledged to put up sporting facilities as a recognition to the successful athletes from the region who had done the country proud in the international arena.
“We have set aside Sh.10 million to put up a pavilion and changing rooms for this stadium as well as complete a state of the art stadium in Kabarnet and Mogotio in partnership with Stadia Management Board,” pledged the governor.
He also promised to set up the first milk processing plant in Eldama Ravine so as to enhance value addition and improve farmers’ earnings.
Those present, included County Commissioner, Henry Wafula and Tiaty MP, William Kamket called on the leaders and residents to support the governor so that he may realise his vision for the county.
By Sheila Cheruiyot/Christopher Kiprop
